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Earth Day With Kids Around the South Sound

Did you know Earth Day is celebrated by one billion people in over 190 countries every year on April 22 in? That’s a global phenomenon worth celebrating. Essentially, Earth Day is about caring for the environment and motivating people towards action in protecting and caring for the earth. We’ve gathered a few events right here in the South Sound that will help you do just that.

For 15 years running, Metro Parks Tacoma has organized a day for community members to step out and care for their parks. Join with friends and neighbors on Saturday, April 23, from 9:00am-12:00pm, at parks in your neighborhood! Take a look at sites throughout Pierce County where families can show up to help, including locations like Gig Harbor, University Place, Fife, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, and more.

In 2005, the city of Tukwila and the US Army Corp of Engineers joined forces to excavate Codiga Park, a former diary farm that is now a park and tidal wetland along the Duwamish River. Animals such as ospreys, great blue heron, bald eagles and salmon come here. Volunteers will be working tougher to continue to help remove weeds and invasive plant species and bring restoration to the site. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be a part of this project. EarthCorps will provide gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and volunteer education. Show up ready to work on Friday, April 22 from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Do you talk to your kids about the landfill? Now you can tour one! On Saturday, April 23, from 10:00am-11:30am, you can attend an open house at King County’s primary disposal location, the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill in Maple Valley. The event will include a tour of the landfill, viewing of heavy landfill equipment, light refreshments and remarks by county leaders. This event is open to children ages 5 and up. Be sure to RSVP by April 18 for this event.

On Saturday, April 16, from 12:00pm-4:00pm, celebrate the earth at the Tacoma Nature Center. There will be plenty of activities for ages 4 and up, including nature inspired art, making a wooden bird feeder and a story-walk.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, from 10:00am-3:00pm, the zoo invites you to celebrate the planet and the animals who share it! Come in an animal costume for $2 off general admission. Make you own make and join in the Celebration of Species Parade at 2:00pm. There will be special activities throughout the weekend at the animal exhibits.

Stop by the MaST Center to see a 38 foot grey whale skeleton, 2 large touch tanks, over 250+ native Puget Sound species, including many jelly fish! All for FREE, Saturdays at the MaST from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Enjoy an artistic pageant of community that celebrates the natural world. On Friday, April 22, at 9:30pm, there will be a Luminary Processionand on Saturday, April 23, at 4:30pm there will be a Procession of the Species. For more info on this 7 week long art program, head to the Procession of the Species Celebration.